Which type of data should school leaders analyze to inform vision and goals?

Analyzing data from assessments and community survey results is crucial for school leaders who aim to inform their school's vision and goals. This type of data offers insights not only into student performance but also into the perspectives and needs of the community. Assessments provide quantitative measures of student learning and progress, while community surveys gather qualitative information reflecting parents', students', and staff's perceptions.

By integrating these two data sources, school leaders can identify gaps between current outcomes and desired goals, ensuring that the vision is responsive to the actual needs of the student body and community. This comprehensive approach supports goal-setting that is both realistic and aligned with stakeholder expectations, fostering a shared commitment to educational outcomes.

In contrast, while historical data from standardized tests, formative assessments, and course grades and retention rates provide valuable information, they may not capture the broader social and community context that affects student success as effectively as the combined insights from assessments and community surveys.